Smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction in developing countries: a review.

Several studies have been conducted on the impacts of smallholder irrigation on food security, agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and poverty. However, little attention has been placed on the nexus between smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction. This study intends to close this gap by identifying and reviewing contemporary published evidence to examine the nexus between smallholder irrigation and poverty reduction in developing countries in general and Zimbabwe in particular. A systematic review of literature was conducted. The AGRICOLA, PubAG and Google Scholar databases were used to search for relevant literature. A multi-stage screening process was used to select relevant literature. The literature reviewed included research publications in peer-reviewed journals, dissertations and reports from world institutions published between 1994 and 2021. The findings show that there are inconsistencies in terms of the contribution of smallholder irrigation to household food security, livelihoods, and poverty reduction. This could be attributed to the methodological and contextual differences. Despite the inconsistencies, it was noted that investments in smallholder irrigation remain a key strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and livelihoods and reduce poverty in rural communities. Therefore, the study recommends that policies supporting investments in smallholder irrigation development and rehabilitation should be encouraged in developing countries to reduce poverty.

A gross margin analysis for Nguni cattle farmers in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Factors such as increases in population, urbanization, growth in per capita income and changes in consumer taste and preferences are causing gradual increases in livestock product consumption and demand. South Africa is addressing this predicted increase in livestock products demand by commercializing smallholder livestock producers. The Limpopo Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Nguni Cattle Development Project is an example of such effort. The economic performance of these efforts needs to be evaluated. We use gross margin analysis to evaluate the performance of the Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project. Additionally, we use regression analysis to identify factors influencing gross margins. Our results indicate that although smallholders show potential to commercialize, they lack commercial farming experience and require that a strong extension support system be used as one of the strategies to improve profitability. We also noted that individual farmers were more profitable than group farmers. Multiple regression analysis shows that three variables could be used to stimulate gross margin among the Limpopo IDC Nguni Cattle Development Project farmers. These are herd size, distance to market and farm size. Since farm size is a given, policy should focus on assisting farmers to build their herds and to have better access to markets.